DIY & Crafts

Art Deco Interior Design – A Beginner’s Guide

by craftmin | December 22, 2017

Art deco interior design. Art is a timeless piece of ingenuity which cannot be replaced. In one form or another, art is changed by the demands of its time. But when you talk about the decade between the 1920s and the 1930s, no person with clear history of the art world will not know about the birth of Art Deco.

As it sounds, the birthplace of the Art Deco or Arts Decoratifs is in France but its prominence stretched as far as the rest of Europe and even to the United States. Contrary to the art style it preceded, Art Noveau, Art Deco is more ornate but also more functional.

For these reasons, it did not come as a surprise how widely-embraced Art Deco was in many aspects of human affairs. From fashion and car design to architecture set as a monument for the style, the implementation of Art Deco was extensive. This kind of art literally took the Western world by storm, with the power to transform any nation under its influence.

The Rise of the Art Deco Interior Design

If you don’t want to flaunt but are still appreciative of the art, it is not surprising that this particular art style started taking the form of interior design at home. In fact, when you speak about Art Deco interior design, you talk about designs that include elements of geometry, angle, and symmetry. Apart from just the visuals, Art Deco is also about tapping into more expensive materials like steel and gold.

Art Deco Through the Times

The Art Deco trend has endured for many decades. It roared through the 20s, survived the Great Depression of the 30s, and even remained standing during the second World War. But even the best things have to end, and the furor behind Art Deco soon died out around the 50s as it gave way to the emerging art form, Modernism.

However, despite decades left in the dark, there is a lot of interest in bringing back this art style. How can there not be when it is becoming eve more highly sought after than ever before?

While you may not have had the luck to be born at the proper time to experience Art Deco at its most authentic, it is never too late to adopt it. Let’s take a look at Art Deco and how to apply it as part of your abode for aesthetics.

Attributes of Art Deco Interior Design

Earlier we mentioned some of the elements that make upArt Deco design. Adding to that list are linear ornamentals and exotic materials that give this particular art style an identity of its own. As a result, Art Deco exudes both strength and boldness while steering clear of the unwanted drama.

Common Materials Used in Art Deco

While there are innumerable materials used to make Art Deco interior design, there are those which appear more frequently than others.

For instance, materials like glass, mirrors, stainless steel, chrome, lacquer, inlaid, and animal skins are very noticeable. And in more affluent households, expensive materials such as marble, ebony, and rare woods also make an appearance.

Typical Themes

Creating art is no easy feat, even for the most experienced and talented artists. But being creative doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. Sometimes, being artistic means getting inspiration from existing sources while adding a touch of unique flair.

As such, many Art Deco craftsman use similar patterns as themes for their art work based on the following sources of inspiration:

Natural sources such as branches of tree, leaves, and animal feathers

Naked human figures

Unusual shapes like the trapezoid

Embellished animals

Zigzag lines and chevrons

Solar flares

Skyscraper edges

Means to Decorate an Art Deco Interior Design

There is no denying that it takes a truly great artist to give justice to an amazing Art Deco rendition. This type of person are a one-in-a-million so coming across one will definitely cost you a fortune.

But why spend your precious time and money looking for a great artist when you can tap on your own skill? This endeavor will create you a personal masterpiece, Art Deco-style. Here are some considerations to follow if you want to personally dabble in Art Deco for your indoors:

Coloration

The color combinations employed in Art Deco are exquisite. While some colors are meant to complement another, there is also heavy emphasis on keeping healthy contrast. For example, vibrant and deep colors of blues, reds, yellows, greens, and pinks blend well with colors black, silver, and chrome.

However, there is also a sense of flexibility with this kind of art. If you want something that is less overbearing, softer color combinations still make Art Deco. Often, this color scheme is perfect for dining rooms, living rooms, and bedrooms.

Other considerations that must be taken into account is the type of furniture. Make sure the furniture you are placing complements the existing scheme.

Furniture

The type of furniture you place in the household also speaks volumes when completing an Art Deco blueprint. Apart from the colors (as mentioned), the quality of the furniture can make or break the intended impression.

Typically, furniture meant for Art Deco embodies both power and sleekness. For example, furniture made from exotic woods, chrome, or mirrored pieces tends to fit into this classification.

Do note, however, that furniture of this caliber is rather massive which might come as a shock – just a warning of how much of a space-hog an Art Deco equipment is at home.

Fabrics

You might be fond of floral or plaid but, for the sake of Art Deco, do not use them. Instead, opt for geometric designs or solid colors. For more visual impact, make the appearance bolder with a clear contrast between blocks of colors. The phrase to remember in this aspect is “be bold.”

Flooring

Authentic Art Deco flooring typically has large carpets with geometric designs. If your budget forbids you from this somewhat luxurious piece, compensate by using linoleum instead. Tthe outward appearance of the lacquered floor will suffice.

Lighting

The time of Art Deco coincided with the inception of chrome. It is unsurprising, therefore, how chrome and glass became a symbol for Art Deco in addition in terms of lighting.

If you opt for the ubiquitous glass material, go for something with engravings. However, if you want authentic lighting for your place, look at a vintage source.